“But that simple gesture ended my career as a viable Republican politician,” Crist says in the book, which was co-written with Ellis Henican.

Crist writes that at the time he thought the event was a “uplifting moment” in his political life, where a Democrat and Republican were working together and rising above the partisanship.

“I didn’t know it yet. But that high-spirited day in Fort Myers - meeting Obama (bad enough) and greeting him with a hug (even worse) - ended my viable life as a Republican politician.”

That hug would become a key tool in Republican Marco Rubio’s primary campaign against Crist for the U.S. Senate. Crist eventually dropped out of the Republican Primary and ran unsuccessfully as an independent.

Did Charlie Crist make a mistake when he hugged President Barack Obama?

Yes

No

I don't know

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Crist’s book, which chronicles his rise in Republican politics and his split from the party, is scheduled to be released on Feb. 4.

The new book comes just months after Crist, now a Democrat, announced he is again running for governor of Florida, but this time as a Democrat.

Jeremy Wallace

Jeremy Wallace has covered politics for more than 15 years.
He can be reached by email or call (941) 361-4966.
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Last modified: January 9, 2014
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